Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2020 19:02:36 GMT -5
The thing with Dua Lipa's team, for example is that they hustled. "New Rules" was the sixth single that finally broke her into the US. The Doja comparison is a bit unfair because they're not aiming for the same audience. I think this discussion might be proven worthless if/when 'mani drops another single and it smashes, but at the moment it's hard to see why there's not even one single near release to keep her name out there (unless they expected the Birds of Prey song to be a hit, which lmao, not even someone with the name recognition of Adele and Taylor Swift combined could make a hit out of that track). RCA wasn't even going to follow up DWAS with a single until the VMAs called, so I doubt they were relying on Diamonds for a lead-in to anything. RS put up her interview online today and they're now aiming for a summer single. *blank stare* I would guess her management hopped on Diamonds because at this point, how else is she going to pick up a check. Re: Dua, that hustling is what I mean by making fair comparisons. Hustling for a pop artist is a very different game from hustling for a rap artist, even if said rap artist is aiming for mainstream success, and Dua is by far the most reasonable template for any new pop artist to follow. Fans of Normani would do well to recall (or learn, for those who don't keep up with pop) how long it took Dua to even get her first album out (two years, leak city, frustrating delays) because it is a lesson in patience and optimism - Dua is proof that you are always only one hit away. But RCA would also do well to remember the effort it took to get Dua to stick because you don't get that 'one hit away' payoff without effort...and releases. Normani has so many missed opportunities because RCA won't capitalize or build on her hype and just release a damn song. With the Doja Cat comparison people have to realize that she's been on the RCA back burner for YEARS. I'm talking 6-7 years of releases with no budget in sight and that all changed when she became a viral sensation. Normani has been given better treatment which fuels the frustration. Now a funny thing about Doja is the kids that were screaming #FREEKESHA are still supporting Dr. Luke since he co-writes a lot of her work including her two biggest hits to date. Once you are in Kemosabe you're there for life. ngl one of the reasons I struggle so much into getting into Doja personally is the moral conflict of interest I have in supporting anything that comes from Luke. But I'm not surprised that Doja is how he seems potentially set to regain his hitmaking relevancy - when all that s**t went down with Kesha and his pop well started drying he up, he immediately rushed into urban collaborations and I knew then that he would never really die off. f**k him tbh, but Doja deserves better so #conflicted (and Kesha can't get out of her contract either so if you want to support her you are in effect financially supporting him...it's all very inseparable and unfortunate). I'm also curious how much of Doja's handling is Kemosabe and how much is RCA. With Normani I get a strong feeling that Keep Cool is only there in name now, but I'm not sure if the same is true for Doja. This mainstream push for Doja is very recent - and the one thing that might make sense of it is RCA taking interest in financially investing once they see the artist in question showing potential on her own, but coming at the cost of the smaller imprint having to give up a large amount of control over said artist's promotion or direction. It just seems as if Normani got better treatment from the start because her first release under them (Love Lies) took off, and even LL was a slow burner that largely benefited from a viral performance.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 29, 2020 11:27:00 GMT -5
with all this yapping I'm doing you'd think I could link her full Rolling Stone interview smh. I won't copy-and-paste because the post would be so long, but I did like this interview once I got out of my feelings about the single being pushed out to summer. In short: they rehash her background and time with 5H, which then flows into her reaction to Camila's tumblr being exposed. She also explains why she "keeps her distance" from social media and talks about her desire for the word pop to stop being treated as if it's a negative thing just because she's a black girl. Normani: A Pop Perfectionist Makes Her Move
|
|
Lumi
4x Platinum Member
I feel so sad, you should be sad
Joined: March 2018
Posts: 4,788
|
Post by Lumi on Mar 4, 2020 2:15:51 GMT -5
Next single in... Summer??? Cancel the album at this point.
|
|
PGriffin
Platinum Member
Joined: January 2019
Posts: 1,458
|
Post by PGriffin on Mar 4, 2020 4:40:53 GMT -5
Just throw the whole career away!!
|
|
Ty
Diamond Member
good vibes and R&B
Joined: March 2009
Posts: 12,771
|
Post by Ty on Apr 4, 2020 8:32:47 GMT -5
I'm really starting to feel like she's going down that Tinashe lane.
|
|
PGriffin
Platinum Member
Joined: January 2019
Posts: 1,458
|
Post by PGriffin on Apr 4, 2020 9:00:25 GMT -5
I'm really starting to feel like she's going down that Tinashe lane. It’s a wrap at this point. I don’t think it makes sense for her to release anything with the Rona running wild. She won’t be able to promote anywhere. Maybe if she has a video already done? If she has a bop she can hope for a til tok smash? I don’t see an album coming anytime soon.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2020 14:18:22 GMT -5
^I actually feel the opposite - with so many people pushing back right now this would be the best time for a newer or smaller act to release something and hopefully grab some attention. Put out a Tik Tok challenge and serve some cute from-home isolation content every week or every other week to keep it going. You'd think the same team that couldn't be bothered to put her on the road for Motivation would welcome this opportunity to release music without the obligation of promotion.
I recall her having a 3-day set for something a while back, but I have a feeling that was for something not music related (like one of her SavagexFenty shoots). I doubt she has any vids in the stash, and I wasn't really expecting an album soon anyway because we'd already been told we'd have to wait until summer just to get a single.
If she waits till everything is over then she either has to compete with all the people who pushed back their spring/early summer releases, or let RCA push her back into 2021 (in which case it really will be a wrap). I'd rather her get it out the way sooner than later. I still consider her a 'new' artist and thus think she should be allowed to function the way a new artist does - that is to say, let her debut with the lower numbers and build her way up. Sitting on her in some vain hope of finding the perfect moment to release the perfect song and get perfect numbers is doing no one any favors.
|
|
gbaby
2x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2007
Posts: 2,465
|
Post by gbaby on Apr 5, 2020 9:39:23 GMT -5
^Agreed on taking advantage of the world being locked inside to do something innovative. This thing will be around for a while. If they are smart about their marketing, the end result could be fantastic for Normani.
She needs a new team.
|
|
|
Post by breathingrande on Apr 6, 2020 2:49:32 GMT -5
She’s had sessions with Max Martin , Ilya , Savan , Pharrell, Stargate, The monsterz and the strangerz, The stereotypez, Ester Dean, Boots, Raye, Boi-1da, Danja, The Dream, Dj Mustard and a long etc... But nothing’s coming out? I doubt she hasn’t come up with a surefire hit with all those producers... I mean if she hasn’t then gurl just retire.
|
|
think pink.
Diamond Member
👑 💅🏻
Joined: April 2011
Posts: 23,715
|
Post by think pink. on Apr 19, 2020 17:13:52 GMT -5
We can add Darkchild to the list. She said it last night on IG live.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2020 17:15:02 GMT -5
I just hope we get more Waves-esque tracks from her
Waves is THAT bitch
|
|
groovetheory
New Member
Joined: June 2012
Posts: 464
Pronouns: he/him
|
Post by groovetheory on Apr 20, 2020 3:41:05 GMT -5
I also think that edgy Waves-esque vibe would work well for her, she was fire on that video.
|
|
|
Post by breathingrande on Apr 20, 2020 10:37:04 GMT -5
She just needs a solo hit, a song that sounds like an instant smash.
|
|
Linnethia Monique
Diamond Member
Still 100% Snackable
🗣 NOW GET YOUR BOOTS AND YOUR COAT FOR THIS...
Joined: December 2004
Posts: 24,208
|
Post by Linnethia Monique on Apr 20, 2020 11:01:52 GMT -5
We can add Darkchild to the list. She said it last night on IG live. Ryan Tedder, too. They just did a remote session about 2-3 days ago.
|
|
PGriffin
Platinum Member
Joined: January 2019
Posts: 1,458
|
Post by PGriffin on Apr 20, 2020 11:07:53 GMT -5
I tried tuning into her live but she kept muting the damn mic and after the Teddy v. Babyface fiasco I couldn't take it so I left. She was glowing though! She is so pretty.
|
|
popwizard
New Member
Joined: November 2017
Posts: 211
|
Post by popwizard on Apr 26, 2020 14:06:38 GMT -5
I love Normani but unfortunately for her she might’ve missed her window to release her album. An artist like her who is very image and dance-heavy will need strong live performances and videos to accelerate the launch of her career. Corona and social distancing will put a stop to production for big-budget music videos and who knows when artists will hit the stage again for live televised performances (even without a live audience). Unless she plans on releasing a video shot from her home (ala DaBaby) I don’t think an album release is in her favor, even if the music is great. I don’t see her vocally delivering strong at-home live performances. She’s talented but without the visuals and stage acoustics to enhance everything - she won’t be put in the best light.
|
|
|
Post by when the pawn... on Apr 26, 2020 14:18:35 GMT -5
Regarding videos/performances, couldn't she do something with really cool choreography and send the raw footage to some editors who could turn it into something really interesting/unique/very 2020/etc.? Not sure if that'll work for 2/3+ videos if they think there's a hit, seems lazy to delay just because they can't do a video like they would normally. And honestly, if she has written with ALL of those people and hasn't come up with anything...what do they think will happen with any more time?
|
|
felipe
3x Platinum Member
Joined: January 2009
Posts: 3,012
|
Post by felipe on Apr 26, 2020 17:04:41 GMT -5
If she waits till everything is over then she either has to compete with all the people who pushed back their spring/early summer releases, or let RCA push her back into 2021 (in which case it really will be a wrap). I'd rather her get it out the way sooner than later. I still consider her a 'new' artist and thus think she should be allowed to function the way a new artist does - that is to say, let her debut with the lower numbers and build her way up. Sitting on her in some vain hope of finding the perfect moment to release the perfect song and get perfect numbers is doing no one any favors. You just summed it up perfectly.
|
|
PGriffin
Platinum Member
Joined: January 2019
Posts: 1,458
|
Post by PGriffin on Apr 27, 2020 8:43:16 GMT -5
I don't think the promo angle is an excuse. When everything was open she didn't really take advantage of it. Promo can still happen. Look at the good sis, Dua. I think they are waiting for "that one" single. She is going to need another high profile (well promoted) single before she can try a solo single again.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 15:18:10 GMT -5
ngl I've kind of mentally checked out on any thought about what Normani can or should be doing until at the very least late June. In RCA's very mild defense, there's not even any point in thinking about why she is not doing anything right now when they decided she wasn't part of their spring release schedule/budget before shutdowns even happened. Given where things were when we entered 2020 Miss Rona isn't even close to affecting Normani's tentative schedule yet. I didn't even know she had done a couple of lives until after the fact. She did an 'at home' with Alexander Wang where she apparently tried to give him dance lessons? Sounds like it was a cute moment for the fans at least. It's nice to see her slowly warming up to using social media a bit more, on her own terms. I do agree with when the pawn... that for the first vid she could do pure choreography and let an editor handle it - in fact that would kind of be the norm for her. Her videography is small, but of what she does have Motivation and Diamonds are the only two that had a whole gang of people and multiple sets. The Waves vid was just her, 6lack for two or three scenes (and she wasn't even in one of those scenes with him), and 4 dancers and used green screen in most scenes, and that's a great looking vid IMO. LL and DWAS were one or two-location vids with no one but her and her duet partner in them. Motivation is going to be tough to top, but coming up with a nice video concept and flexing her performance skills with few or no people on set with her really wouldn't be a stretch for her at all.
|
|
SHOOTER
Diamond Member
3x Poster Of The Year!!!
Typical of those in power to stay worried about the *wrong* shit.
Joined: April 2006
Posts: 74,852
|
Post by SHOOTER on Apr 28, 2020 2:51:09 GMT -5
^I could totally see her pulling off a My Love Is Like...Wo-style video!
|
|
PGriffin
Platinum Member
Joined: January 2019
Posts: 1,458
|
Post by PGriffin on Apr 28, 2020 8:37:21 GMT -5
If they are waiting for Rona to ease up they should try and keep her profile high. I watched her live 2 weekends ago and she seemed so awkward (not in a cute way). Hop on a dance challenge or something.....maybe she did and I missed it.
|
|
think pink.
Diamond Member
👑 💅🏻
Joined: April 2011
Posts: 23,715
|
Post by think pink. on Jul 1, 2020 19:15:27 GMT -5
|
|
circadian
4x Platinum Member
alone and undisturbed
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,358
|
Post by circadian on Jul 1, 2020 23:07:31 GMT -5
I mean... She seems like a smart girl, and I'm sure that she's restricted by legal stuff, but I pray to God she's doing everything on her hands to get a new team. I don't know what's her contract like, or if she has the means to do it, but I'm sure she's also frustrated as hell with how things seem to be developing behind doors. She has everything to be the next big thing, and I don't want her potential to be completely wasted.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2020 23:35:13 GMT -5
The fan 'summary' says Tunji turned down another interview for Hot 97 when Tunji in the DM CLEARLY says Ebro did not want to interview her for Hot 97, he wanted to interview her for Beats. If that is in fact him, he spoke the biggest truth spoken when he said "y'all take any little clue and run with it." Reading comprehension set on 0.
Also, turning down collabs for being 'too pop' don't line up with Normani's first solo song being Motivation and her having a confirmed duet with Dua Lipa.
No one not named Chainsmokers should be crying about her turning down a Chainsmokers song in 2020.
I don't even know if I believe that's Tunji (do Nigerians say 'y'all'?), but either way I think her Twitter fanbase is being their usual gullible dumb ass selves and verifying why she pays them dust 24/7. They stay putting mess out there and dragging her/her team for what they think are the wrong decisions, then get mad and ready to fight when non-Nation people pick up on it and run with it. Someone please tell these children that this is the world wide web and we can see you. Get a private chat, damn.
My main gripe here is that putting this out there for EVERYONE to see doesn't hurt Tunji (again, assuming that is him) it hurts Normani. If people think an artist's team is bad they usually take it out on the artist (by withdrawing support or writing her off and moving on to the next thing in front of them) instead of being reasonable like say, circadian above me, and simply hoping everything works out and that we get some good music at the end of everything.
If you can't tell I can't stand Normani's "fanbase" lol
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2020 0:03:27 GMT -5
I just want new music from this hoe cause I have loved everything so far
Love Lies is an amazing duet Waves deseved to be an Urban smash Motivation was a fun summer pop bop Checklist was a fun tropical tinged bop Slow Down was a nice little club bop Diamonds was a really fun catchy collab She kills her part on Dancing With A Stranger
Bad To You is her only subpar release but its passable Oh and Body Count exists I guess, that one is just alright
|
|
|
Post by Sounds from the Other Side on Jul 4, 2020 6:10:35 GMT -5
She has basically worked with the whole industry but there is still no single in sight ? Wow.
|
|
spiritboy
3x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2008
Posts: 3,307
|
Post by spiritboy on Jul 4, 2020 7:26:46 GMT -5
She should've released a summer bop. Her team is one of the worst and they seem incompetent, she deserves better.
|
|
Troublemaker
4x Platinum Member
Tasteless Heaux
Joined: October 2014
Posts: 4,846
|
Post by Troublemaker on Jul 4, 2020 8:21:11 GMT -5
I don't even know if I believe that's Tunji (do Nigerians say 'y'all'?) Yes we do, among other things lol. As much I want to blame her team, I really wish she’s ok and doesn’t become depressed or even lose interest in music.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2020 17:23:19 GMT -5
I don't even know if I believe that's Tunji (do Nigerians say 'y'all'?) Yes we do, among other things lol. As much I want to blame her team, I really wish she’s ok and doesn’t become depressed or even lose interest in music. Oh, ok! I'm so used to y'all being treated as a US southernism haha I do have mixed feelings about her team. Just hate that her Twitter fans are so...the way they are about it. My own guess would be that there is or was a bit of a power struggle between her labels (Keep Cool/RCA) and that has led to much of the hold up, but it's not fair to put that all on Tunji when RCA is right there too. Normani said she was going for an r&b sound at first and that is what Tunji signed her for - Keep Cool is a fully r&b label - but when LL took off I think RCA saw her full pop potential and wanted more control, and I could see it being a big tug of war to pull her in a certain direction. Normani herself could be part of the problem too - constantly recording and then being so afraid of failing that she just keeps recording and never releasing anything - and if that is the case someone is going to need to gently take her by the hand and tell her to let go and let God. Some of that constant recording was likely justified; after LL popped off I think that is when much bigger writers and producers expressed an interest in working with her, and I'm sure she was offered stronger material than the first batch of things she recorded in 2018. But by now I can't imagine her not having enough material to piece together a good album. I think her PR and management are actually solid, all things considered. Brandon can only do so much with COVID-19 limiting what is open plus Normani not having anything to promote; nonetheless she just announced two endorsements with Finish Line and Urban Decay, plus she has the SavagexFenty deal still going. I forget the PR lady's name, but Normani just hired her in January or February. She used to handle Def Jam's marketing so it might be her hooking Normani up with one or more of the endorsements. Either way these two are keeping her paid and in ways that match the overall image she's going for so I'm not mad at it. I noticed a subtle change in the way Normani deals with SM now after hiring the new PR team. Before if the fans started going off about something Normani would try to explain things to them or at the very least calm/pacify them and it never worked (they enjoy their emotional stability so talking to them validates their insistence on overdramatizing everything). Now she doesn't bother responding to them at all. I've also noticed her mom doesn't respond or indirectly sub them as much as she used to...PR must have advised them on that, and I personally am grateful for it. What I want for Normani now is a social media manager who will keep her Twitter and website updated with info. Her fanbase is crazy and distance is necessary, but at the same time part of the reason they act so OTT is because there's such a stark lack of communication and it's frustrating not having a clue what is going on. She can keep control of her Insta though, she seems to like it much more over there. Her choreographer (Sean) irks me so much sometimes but if he keeps serving Motivation video/2019 BBMAs energy and keeps dating Kollin (Cardi's stylist, who then ended up working with Normani for a few events) then I will have no choice but to sit here and quietly eat my food. He hasn't said anything to her fans since that last time he got in a fight with them so maybe the PR lady got to him too.
|
|